Distinguish Vitalism From Materialism And Explain The Doctrine Of Specific Energies Of Nerves

1.) Distinguish vitalism from materialism and explain the doctrine of specific energies of nerves. Vitalism is a belief that a life force or “vital force” existed that goes beyond the physical and chemical components of living organisms and in some part is self determining. These life energies are transmitted through the nervous system and were believed to be instantaneous. Opposed to vitalism, materialism states that physical reality is the only reality and that living matter can be reduced to physical and chemical properties. It is a form of philosophical monism which holds that matter is the fundamental substance in nature and that all things, including mental aspects and consciousness, are results of material interactions. First proposed by Muller, the doctrine of specific energies of nerves states that different sensory nerves convey different qualities. It suggested that we perceive the world indirectly through the actions of our nervous system. Perceptions are defined by the pathway over which the sensory information is carried. The origin of these sensations are not important. -Erica Trujillo

2.) What did Helmholtz mean by the “problem of perception” and how did he resolve it? …show more content…
He concluded that the structures designed to deliver sensory information seemed to be flawed. The answer to this problem he thought to be found in the doctrine of specific energies of nerves. In the nervous system there is mediation between reality and the mind and we are only aware of the external world. This brings us back to the unconscious inference and as a person gets closer to you the retinal image enlarges but we perceive the person getting closer, not multiplying. Concluding that the person is getting closer and not actually growing. - Kelly